The latest rumours suggest Apple is now working on a 13-inch version of its iPad tablet.

Reports claim that the tech firm is testing larger screens that could be used either on a previously rumoured 5.7-inch iPhone, or a bigger tablet.

According to the Wall Street Journal, suppliers in Asia have said Apple has asked for prototypes of iPad screens that are 13-inches wide - more than three inches bigger than the current iPad model.

Apple is set to launch a new iPad mini with a high resolution screen before the end of the year along with a new version of its current full sized iPad (pictured). The move is aimed at fending off increasing competition from Google

THE LATEST APPLE RUMOURS

According to the Wall Street Journal,
suppliers in Asia have said Apple has asked for prototypes of screens
that are larger than 4-inches for the iPhone.

It is also said to be testing larger 13-inch iPad displays.

This would make a jumbo iPad more than three inches bigger than the
current model.

Earlier this year, industry analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets claimed Apple was working on a low-cost handset.

Dubbed 'iPhone Mini' the new handset could come in a range of colours, be made of plastic, have a 3.5inch screen and a 5MP camera.

Prices being quoted range from £63 ($99) to £260 ($400).

Apple is also believed to working on large-screen device for its iPhone 6 model. The iPhone 6 could have a 4.7-inch screen.

There may also be a 5.7-inch screen iPhone model due next year.

If the rumours are true Apple's giant iPad could be same size as its MacBook Pro.

It would also be bigger than some laptops, including HP's 11.6-inch EliteBook.

These latest iPad rumours follow reports last month that claimed Apple is working on plastic iPhones with 4.7-inch screens.

They could be available in a variety of colours including yellow and red - current iPhones and iPads only come in black and white - and may sell for as little as £63.

At the same time Apple was said to be working on a larger, 5.7-inch iPhone dubbed a 'phablet' because its a cross between a phone and a tablet computer.

These rumours originated in a note to investors written by industry analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets.

The iPhone Mini could follow Samsung's lead and have a glass front with a plastic case.

Apple traditionally unveils new handsets at an annual event in September and White believes this year's event will be dominated by the rumoured iPhone 5S.

White claims that the iPhone Mini could be announced before this event so not to distract from the 5S launch, but Apple will likely show off both handsets together.

The Telegraph also reported that accessory manufacturer Tactushad published a picture of a cheap, plastic iPhone model, rumoured to have a 3.5inch screen and 5MP camera.

A 13-inch iPad would make the tablet computer the same size as the company's MacBook Pro, pictured

Mr White added the iPhone Mini might 'have a curved back casing made of coloured plastic and will be thicker than the iPhone 5.'

Other rumours to have generated from White's note include that the iPhone 6 - expected in 2014 - will have a much larger screen than the current 4inch iPhone 5 model.

Apple's 4.7inch model would put it in close competition with Samsung's 4.8inch Galaxy SIII.

These rumours were also said to have come from sources within the phone maker's supply chain in Asia.

One person said to have 'direct knowledge of the matter, according to Reuters, said: 'They constantly change product specifications almost to the final moment, so you're not really sure whether this is the final prototype.'

Accessory manufacturer Tactus published a picture of a cheap, plastic iPhone model earlier this year. The design is rumoured to have a 3.5inch screen and 5MP camera and could cost as little as £63 ($99)

This mock-up shows what Apple's iPhone 6 handset could look like. It was designed by French technology site NowhereElse. The iPhone 6 - originally expected to be released in 2014 - could be announced as early as 27 September